Cryogenic Container Refill Window for Cold Chain Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulated containers for temperature-controlled product transport have limited autonomy due to fixed cryogenic tank capacity, leading to potential breaks in the cold chain and logistical inefficiencies, especially when refrigerant refilling requires opening the container, compromising product integrity and delivery accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A logistics system with a container featuring a dedicated window for refrigerant injection and extraction through an injection and extraction device, allowing recharging without opening the main door, thus maintaining the cold chain integrity and optimizing refrigerant management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the container door is opened to refill the cryogenic tank with refrigerant, then the refrigerant capacity is extended and refrigeration duration is prolonged, but the product integrity is compromised and the cold chain may be broken
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into two separate access points: the main door for product loading and a dedicated window for refrigerant refilling. This segmentation allows refrigerant replenishment without opening the main door, thus maintaining product integrity and cold chain continuity while extending refrigeration duration.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary injection device is introduced that connects to the cryogenic tank through the dedicated window. This intermediary mechanism enables refrigerant transfer between the external supply and the tank without requiring direct access to the container interior or opening the main door.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the cryogenic tank capacity is increased to extend autonomy, then the refrigeration duration is prolonged, but the container volume is reduced since the tank encroaches on interior space
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant storage function is moved from the three-dimensional interior space of the container to a dedicated window interface on the container exterior. This dimensional relocation allows the cryogenic tank to be refilled through the window without its capacity being constrained by the container's internal volume, thus extending autonomy without sacrificing product space.
3Quantity of substance
If the container is opened for refrigerant refilling, then the refrigerant can be replenished, but the responsibility for product integrity cannot be established among multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant refilling operation is extracted from the main container opening and relocated to a dedicated window interface. This separation ensures that only authorized refilling personnel access the window, while product handlers work through the main door, thus maintaining clear responsibility tracking for both functions without compromising refrigerant replenishment.
4Ease of operation
If gaseous refrigerant is released into the atmosphere during loading, then the cryogenic tank can be refilled, but environmental harm is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The potential harmful release of gaseous refrigerant is converted into a beneficial contained process. The dedicated window interface incorporates sealing and extraction mechanisms that capture any gaseous refrigerant during the refilling operation and channel it through extraction conduits, transforming a potentially harmful atmospheric release into a controlled and contained process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system extends the refrigeration duration of temperature-controlled products, enhances logistical flexibility, and improves personnel management by separating product loading and refrigerant injection operations, reducing the risk of cold chain breaks and ensuring product integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a tank which is placed inside the container and which can receive a coolant such as carbon dioxide in the solid phase. This refrigerant, which sublimates, makes it possible to maintain a controlled temperature inside the container and compensate for the inevitable losses that occur through the insulating walls of the container
Implementation Method 2
These containers usually consist of insulating walls and can incorporate a cryogenic tank
Data Source
Figure 1~17
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The system has a container (1) with an opening closed by a door and a window (6) closed by retractable obturation units. The door defines an inner compartment having a transport compartment (4) for receiving fresh/frozen products and a cryogenic vessel (5) for receiving a refrigerant in solid phase. An extraction and injection device positioned on the window has a nozzle (22) for injecting the refrigerant in liquid phase into the vessel, in which the refrigerant distends in solid and gaseous phases, and a sleeve (23) defining an extraction orifice for the refrigerant in gaseous phase.